Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma
San Diego County saw three significant fires in July alone that resulted in evacuations, including one that resulted in significant property loss.
There’s no doubt fire season is here both in Southern and Northern California. Besides the wildfires that were contained locally, firefighters were recently battling more than 10 major fires in the state, including the Carr fire in Redding and the Cranston fire in Idyllwild.
These fires are a reminder that fire season is year-round and that all residents need to be prepared to react in case a fire hits their area. What does that mean specifically? Residents need to assess their readiness plans now rather than in the middle of an emergency. The following is a list of things to do and consider.
First, review the family disaster plan, or create one if needed.
Be prepared to evacuate with only minutes’ notice. Practice evacuating with the family.
Are all the necessary items handy to take when an evacuation is called?
Is there a contingency plan in place for different times of the day, such as a fire breaking out while some family members are at work or school?
Check with schools or child care providers to make of their emergency plans and procedures and how parents will be contacted.
In case of separation during a disaster, discuss where to reunite because phone service may not be reliable during a disaster.
If pets are part of the family, too, so make sure they are microchipped, have evacuation plans for them as well – including crates for small pets – and have evacuation plans for larger animals such as horses or livestock.
Check supplies to make sure food, water and medications have not expired and that every family member’s dietary or medical needs are represented.
Register all family members’ cell phones with AlertSanDiego so that all be notified of an emergency affecting the neighborhood. It is especially important if the home no longer has a landline.
Those who own an iOS or Android phone can download the SDEmergency app. It is a great resource for a wide variety of preparedness tips.
Make sure the homeowner’s insurance policy is up-to-date, covers wildfires and insures all the contents of the home.
Take a walk around the property and ensure there is a minimum of 100 feet of defensible space and with no touching or overhanging tree branches on the roof. The point is to reduce the likelihood that a burning ember could land on items and catch the home on fire. Remove any dead or dying trees or plants or leaves that could spread fire.
Please note that during hot, dry conditions such as when a red flag warning is issued, residents should not attempt to use power tools as it could spark a grass fire. The same goes for wood piles or combustible items that could catch fire alongside the home.
If possible, reach out to family members, especially elderly ones and review their plans and supplies with them for personal peace of mind.
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